RELATED COVERAGE: Long distance relationship
COSTUMED runners, mothers pushing prams, dog walkers, elite athletes and social teams all converged on the Warragul Athletics Club last weekend to take part in the 44th annual Geoff Watt Memorial fun run.
The longest running event of its kind in Gippsland was resurrected in 2011 by Geoff’s daughter and Olympic cycling gold medallist Kathy Watt to keep the memory of the globetrotting marathon man alive.
Watt said it was refreshing to see a diverse cross-section of people turn out to the iconic run, which included half marathon, 10 kilometre, 5km and 2.5km distances.
“It was a real variety of people and not just elite runners, which is what it’s all about,” Watt said.
“It went really well, it had good crowds and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
Past champion Robyn Millard once again showed her class to take out the women’s open and over 40 half-marathon, highlighting a host of incredible individual efforts.
Young Wellington Athletics Club member Georgia Pearson won the 10 kilometre open event in her second attempt at the distance and Ben Kelly proved too good in the 5km race.
Peter Cutter won the male half marathon open category.
Watt said the run had continued to pick up steam in the past four editions since returning to the region.
“It’s growing a bit every year and hopefully we can continue that on,” she said.
2014 Geoff Watt Memorial Results
Geoff Watt Memorial Half Marathon
Men’s Open
1. Peter Cutler 1hr20m18
2. Ian Cornthwaite 1hr23m27
3. Dan Langelaan 1hr25m20
Men’s U18
1.Cody Orgill 1hr28m12
Men’s Over 40
1. Ian Cornthwaite 1hr23m27
2. Darrel Cross 1hr29m12
3. Garry Nooy 1hr30m40
Women’s Open
1. Robyn Millard
2. Kath Hilder 1hr41m59
3. Susan Elsdon 1hr49m34
Women’s Over 40
1. Robyn Millard
2. Kath Hilder 1hr41m59
3. Sue Elsdon 1hr49m34
Geoff Watt 10km
Men’s Open
1. Paul Taylor 37m20
2. Richard Clararino 39m21
3. Bryce Gleeson 39m33
Men’s U18
1. Bryce Gleeson 39m33
2. Josh Bugeja 46m15
3. Harrison Moore 48m03
Men’s Over 40
1. Paul Taylor 37m20
2. Jason Hilder 42m18
3. Peter Clerks 46m21
Women’s Open
1. Georgia Pearson 46m35
2. Trisha Powell 47m36
3. Mel Urquart 48m52
Women’s U18
1. Georgia Pearson 46m35
2. Alicia Clerks 50m17
Women’s Over 40
1. Trisha Powell 47m36
2. Caroline Weatherhead 52m45
3. Karen Romano 54m53
Geoff Watt 5km
Men’s Open
1. Ben Kelly 17m39.59
2. Louis Gregory 19m14.06
3. Chris McDonald 19m52.15
Men’s U18
1. Ben Kelly 17m39.59
2. Luis Gregory 19m14.06
3. Lachie Auldist 22m23.34
Men’s Over 40
1. Chris McDonald 19m 52.15
2. Darren Mooney 22m45
3. Peter Dowell 23m 03.62
Women’s Open
1. Anna McDonald 19m51
2. Tiana Broadway 22m40
3. Lana Mooney 22m50
Women’s U18
1. Anna McDonald 19m51
2. Lana Mooney 22m50
3. Hayley Adams 23m49
Women’s Over 40
1. Fiona Griffin 26m16
2. Kaye Frost and Stacey Adams 30m03
3. Gayle Smith 31m14
